Greetings, my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad ballerina, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog on www.pink-tutu.com! As always, I'm thrilled to share my latest foray into the fascinating world of ballet history with you all. Today, I'm whisking us back to the year 1901, a pivotal moment for tutus and, dare I say, for fashion itself. Buckle up, darlings, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of a bygone era, and trust me, it's as exciting as a pirouette on pointe!
But before I unveil the magic of 1901, let me tell you about my latest adventure. Oh, darling, it was a pure delight! Imagine this, I hopped onto a rather grand steam train, with plush velvet seats and the most beautiful polished wood you could imagine. It was just like stepping back in time, with its clackety-clackety sounds and gentle sway. It brought me to London, that dazzling city of theatre and culture! I absolutely adore London. The shops there are a dream - every street corner boasts a beautiful hat or a gorgeous pair of shoes, it's truly overwhelming! Speaking of dreams, I managed to catch a stunning performance of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House. Such elegance and beauty, I was transported! Seeing the dancers swirling on stage in their romantic tutus was an inspiration, and trust me, it put me straight in the mood for a deep dive into the history of this beautiful garment!
Back to our 1901 date...
This year was significant for ballet for several reasons, particularly in Paris. Yes, you know I absolutely adore that city! Think grand boulevards lined with glittering shop windows displaying the latest Parisian fashion! It was in this city of elegance and grandeur, where ballerinas reigned supreme, that the ballet tutu began to take on a truly glamorous shape. Forget about the earlier versions, which were more of a loose, layered affair. In 1901, tutus were starting to be made with layers of tulle, beautifully gathered and embellished with stunning trimmings. This not only accentuated the dancer's movements but also gave them a real sense of lightness and airiness, like little fluffy clouds pirouetteing on stage. Think about it: we're talking feather boas, elaborate corsages and just a dash of sparkle!
Just imagine this, darling, stepping onto a stage bathed in the warm glow of theatre lights, wearing a frothy pink tutu with every swirl and twirl making it dance like a ballet of its own! Oh, what a wonderful sight it must have been! And of course, it wouldn't be complete without the perfect shade of lipstick and a delicate veil flowing in the air! It truly was the dawn of the "ballerina chic" era, with a hint of drama and romanticism mixed with elegance and poise.
Now, we must go a little deeper. The iconic "romantic tutu" as it was known, became particularly popular this year thanks to one famous ballerina: Anna Pavlova. Oh darling, I adore her! Anna Pavlova was like a beacon of grace and elegance, revolutionising the way dancers moved and the style they adorned. She made it all about beauty and finesse, and, guess what? Her signature look involved, you guessed it, a pink tutu. You see, my darlings, pink is clearly the colour of true ballerinas.
Imagine her swirling around the stage, her tutu a cloud of ethereal pink, captivating every audience member, both from high society and those lucky enough to see her on the street. This was the kind of style that inspired women to dance, twirl, and wear pink too! Think delicate lace, feathers and satin ribbon adorning everything from the hair to the hemline, it truly was a spectacular era! In fact, I'd be willing to wager that at least one woman at the time took inspiration from Anna and spun around in her own frothy, pink creation - I'm so inspired, just by writing about it!
So, where were you, dear readers, on this significant date? Were you maybe attending the ballet with your family or perhaps sketching out a new dance move? Maybe you were even sketching that beautiful pink tutu on your lap. Well, if you were lucky enough to see Anna Pavlova at that time, your dreams of pink tulle would have surely soared high. She truly became a symbol for this time, making the tutu as much of a star as the ballerina herself.
As a modern-day ballerina with a love for both the past and the present, I am incredibly inspired by this era of grace, elegance, and pink tutus, my darlings! I believe it is something worth preserving and, most importantly, celebrating. I urge you all to take a moment to look back at this amazing history. It's inspiring to think that fashion, beauty, and dance can come together so beautifully and in a time like this. Who knows, maybe a new, daring era of tutu styles awaits just around the corner!
Until next week, may your twirls be beautiful and your outfits be full of colour, especially pink! Oh, and remember to visit my online shop at www.pink-tutu.com - I’m just getting started with a fabulous selection of vintage and new tutus! Until then, darling, stay chic!
Emma, the Pink-Tutu Blogger
